February 2015 - Torrance Sister City Association

Torrance Sister City Association
http://torrancesistercity.org/
February 2015
President’s Message
S
orry for the delay on this
message, but it didn’t make the
deadline for the December issue,
so a belated:
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!
Happy New Year.
The year 2014 is over and a new one is
opening! Here’s hoping that 2015 is a
great year for all of us: TSCA members,
our supporters in City Hall and the folks
in Kashiwa.
At our 2015 Potluck we celebrated a
reunion of students and other TSCA
members. Everyone was welcome to
come and see old friends or make new
ones. For me it will be about 36 years of
relationships with TSCA. I started in
1979 as the first English teacher in
Kashiwa, and that was quite a while
ago!
I’d like to take this time to thank
everyone who has been helping to
make TSCA such a wonderful success
with their enduring help and support.
One extra special person who comes to
mind is Werner Willoughby who is
diligently developing a plan to make
this year’s Bunka-Sai something to be
remembered. Others right now are too
numerous to mention, but all should
know that their help is invaluable to the
organization.
Just one more person not to forget for
her untiring help is Lori Chong Eurich,
who has been President of TSCA and
has headed our organization with zeal,
talent and undying devotion. We are in
a good place because of her support.
Thank you, Lori. She has also been a
great help to me in getting this
Newsletter out. I sure do appreciate
that.
Don’t forget to let others know that the
English teacher position in Kashiwa
committee is still taking applications.
For information review the page in
this newsletter regarding the teaching
position at Kashiwa Municipal High
School. The time spent in Kashiwa
will be life-changing. It is a wonderful
chance to “spread your wings” and
grow as a person.
Article for February:
Dear Members,
The Alumni Meeting on the 10th was
a smashing success. All had plenty of
good food to eat, and there was much
conversation going on. Thanks to the
help of Shirley Tanaka and Reiko
Higa and their crew there was a great
display of food and there were
gorgeous flowers on the tables. Butch
Ihde, Donna Dunlap, Werner
Willoughby, David Gelbaum and their
committees did a fantastic job of
making the meeting a success.
Steven Ihde also worked to make
sure that the prospective student
delegates were introduced to the
assemblage and got to know some
of us.
At our January Board meeting we
learned that we are doing financially
well. Bryce Yamauchi explained our
financial record and also our
proposed budget which was
approved by the board. We also
heard from Ron Kimmel that we have,
as of the meeting date, 120
members, but we also learned that
Ron will be leaving the post of
Membership Chair after the next
Directory is published. That means
we are actively soliciting a successor
for him. If you are interested in this
important position in our organization,
please contact me at
2015 TSCA Rummage Sale
When: Saturday, February 7 from 8 – 11:30. Set up starts at 7:00
Where: Kuwahara CPA, 22426 Palos Verdes Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90505
Help support TSCA by donating old or unwanted items from your garage, closet,
or attic. All you need to do is drop it off. The 2015 student applicants will be
doing all of the selling.
Questions? – Contact Steven Ihde at [email protected] or
at (310) 920-8564.
[email protected]. All other board
members have agreed to stay on
for one more year.
Thank you all for your continued
support. As Hazel Taniguchi said,
“It takes a village.” And our “village”
is strong. We need to keep up our
great teamwork.
Keep March 15th open for the
Cherry Blossom Festival in
Columbia Park. It will be a chance
to meet with others and to enjoy the
wonderful beauty of the cherry
blossoms! And on March 21st there
will be another TSCA Cafe. Shirley
Tanaka invites all to help with the
Cafe we are fostering with the
Torrance Arts and Crafts Fair.
Come enjoy yourselves and help
support TSCA.
Bunka-Sai is quickly approaching
and Werner Willoughby is busy with
his committee making sure that this
year will be even better than last
year. If you would like to help during
the Bunka-Sai on April 25th or 26th,
give Werner a buzz. The more help
the better the result.
That’s all for this time. Thanks to all
who make this organization such a
great one. Please continue to help
keep it that way. I look
forward to meeting
you all.
Yours,
Dan Fichtner, TSCA
President
Upcoming Events
February 6, 12, 16 & 20
City Hall closed
February 7
TSCA Rummage sale
February 9
TSCA Association meeting
March 15
Cherry Blossom Festival
March 21
TSCA Café at Spring Craft Fair
Ken Miller Recreation Center
April 25 & 26
Bunka-Sai Festival
Torrance Sister City Association
Membership News
New and renewed memberships:
Allred, Ted and Nikki (B)
Barnett, Gene and Linda (F)
Cornwall. Rich (I)
Flynn, Janet and John (F)
Frichtel, Mikaela (F)
Gallagher, Ann (I)
Goodrich, Marge (I)
Griffith, Kay (I)
Guan, Jie and Helen (F)
Hardison, Dee and Lowell (F)
Hedges, David (B)
Herbers, Jerry and Sue (F)
Hiramoto, Lindsey (F)
Hsiao, Chris (F)
Inouye, Kevin Margie and Kristen (F)
Ito, John and Wendy (F)
Kanishiro, Myrtle (I)
Kawaoka, Noelle (F)
Kikuchi, Breanna (F)
Kilburn, Vic (I)
Kim, Jenny (F)
Kono, Kazuhiro (F)
Kranz, Dave and Linda (F)
Kuwahara, Mas and Taeko (F)
Kuwahara, Teri and Gary (F)
LaRue, Julie (F)
Lee, Jacquie (S)
London, Emily (F)
Maeshiro, Tsuyeshi (F)
Martel, Lou and Lori (F)
Matsumoto, Mickey and Frances (F)
McGee, John and Carmen (F)
Medlock, Matthew (I)
Medlock, Kathleen (F)
Mikamo, Stephanie (I)
Miike, Pamela (I)
Miles, Frank and Lynn (S)
Mullowney, Pamela (I)
Mundy, Christine (F)
Nakano, George and Helen (F)
Nkansah, Jacqueline (F)
Oliveros, Megan Ann (I)
Ozawa, Eleanor (I)
Peck Family (F)
Reeve, Ron and Susan (S)
Rust, Joe and Carol (B)
Sakamoto, May (I)
Scotto, Frank and Cindy (F)
Seraydarian Family (F)
Snider, Tom and Allison (F)
Sonoyama, Hiroki and Makiko (F)
Sprague, Brian and Tracy (F)
Stojcic, Goran (F)
Sueyoshi, Allison (F)
Tanaka, Keith, Shirley, and Jenny (F)
Tanaka, Yae (I)
Thompson, Bruce (F)
Todd, Ronan (F)
Toya, George and May (F)
Ueki, Mas and Sumi (F)
Yorizane Family (F)
Thank you for joining or renewing your
membership for 2015. An application
form should be filled out and submitted
with your dues payment so that the
membership committee has a record
with your current information. Please
indicate the type of membership and
check any changes on the Directory
Update line.
If you have any questions, contact Ron
Kimmel at [email protected]
Alumni Reunion Revisited
F
ourteen tables, and every seat
was filled at the TSCA Alumni
Reunion on January 10. 2015. An
enthusiastic crowd received a welcome
from TSCA President Dan Fichtner.
Mayor Patrick Furey spoke of his
admiration for the organization and
introduced the other council members in
attendance: Gene Barnett, Tim
Goodrich, Mike Griffiths, and Kurt
Weideman.
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier installed the
new officers. She also assisted Donna
Dunlap in recognition of the following
outgoing officers and Board members
with Certificates of Appreciation: Lori
(l to r) New officers Bryce Yamauchi, Treasurer;
Donna Dunlap, Vice President; Dan Fichtner,
President; City Clerk Rebecca Poirier, installing
officer. Missing is Dana Cortez, Secretary
Page 2
Chong Eurich, Erin Wauke, Werner
Willoughby, Tim Goodrich, Ann Lobo,
and Melanie Nomiya.
Each year a person or organization
that is exceptionally supportive of
TSCA is selected to receive the TSCA
Partnership Award. This year’s
recipient is the martial art of Naginata,
which has been performed at BunkaSai for many years. Donna Dunlap
presented the award, and Helen
Nakano accepted the award for the
group.
Steven Ihde, Chair of the Student
Selection Committee, introduced the
other committee members. He then
called on each of the 17 applicants to
introduce themselves and their family
members. For the first time in many
years, there are applicants from each
of the five Torrance high schools.
Past President Hazel Taniguchi
conducted the reunion roll call so all
could see the people to appreciate
for the ongoing success of TSCA:
past presidents, past and present
officers and Board members, adult
leaders, participants in Anniversary
trips, host families, and, finally, all
members. There were many
individuals who stood up in several
of these categories!
David Gelbaum, 2014 Adult Leader,
directed the video presentation put
together by Ann Lobo. It was clear
to see from the pictures why the
exchange students consider the
experience in Kashiwa the “trip of a
lifetime.”
Closing out the event was the
traditional Kashiwa Odori,
performed by many skilled in the art
- or those who were game enough
to try!
Many thanks to committee
members David Gelbaum, Shirley
Tanaka, Donna Dunlap, Reiko
Higa, and Lori Chong Eurich for
putting together this annual event.
Thank you also for all the people
who brought the tasty dishes that
make TSCA potlucks the pride of
the city.
- Gail Roulette
February 2015
New Year’s in Japan
W
hen I first arrived in Japan, I
debated whether or not I
should go home for the
holidays. By December, I would
have only been living in Japan for a
total of four months. I felt like four
months was too short of a time to
warrant going home.
Yet as time went on, I regretted my
decision. Inside, I had a little freakout—what was I thinking, spending
the holidays by myself in the
beginning of winter? Japan started
putting up Christmas decorations
and selling party goods by the
beginning of November. There was
no way to escape the eminent fact
that while everyone in the country
would be spending it with family or
friends, I would be alone. I’d be
alone not only for Christmas, but for
New Years as well.
Christmas came and went, and I got
through it. As soon as Christmas
passed, I was relieved because that
meant that all of the Christmas
decorations would be taken down
and business would go about as
normal. Thinking about what to do
on New Year’s Eve, I drew a blank.
I’m not much for going out and was
planning on staying at home and
watching some TV shows.
However, my friend decided to book
a last-minute flight to Japan for the
last week of December and the first
week of January. If you don’t have
any plans for New Year’s Eve, it’s
surreal to think that a mere year
later, I am living and working in
Japan, teaching at Ichikashi, and
ringing in the New Year with a good
friend from home. That was
something I never would have
imagined a year prior.
difficult to find and make plans the day
of in Japan, (although that applies to
anywhere). After a bit of research, we
ended up deciding to visit Zōjō-ji,
which is a temple near the foot of
Tokyo Tower.
The grounds of Zōjō-ji were filled with
people, food stands were selling hot
snacks, and there was even a group of
people pounding fresh mochi. Lanterns
were strung above the stalls, all
zigzagging toward Zōjō-ji and in the
direction of Tokyo Tower. We were
able to eat some delicious hot mochi in
the cold weather. By the time it was a
quarter until the New Year, we walked
closer to Tokyo Tower to witness the
countdown. A few minutes until, we
waited in anticipation for Tokyo Tower
to light up.
In those last few minutes of 2014 I
thought back on all the year brought
me. The beginning of 2014, I was in
such a different place—I was working
a few different part-time jobs, living at
home with my family, and still
searching for jobs in Japan. It was
Tokyo Tower lit up all on its own,
and we, as well as the people
surrounding us, were a bit confused
at first for the anticlimactic countdown. Shaking it off, we all wished
each other a happy new year.
As we exchanged well wishes with
each other, I couldn’t help but
wonder what 2015 would bring.
Everything that happened in 2014
definitely grew and stretched me in
ways I could never imagine. I can
only hope that 2015 will do the
same, if not more, than what I
learned from this year. Beginning a
new year signals a fresh start and I
want to give this year my best.
Although I can’t predict where I’ll be
this time next year, I am
determined to continue to develop
the relationships I have at Ichikashi,
within Kashiwa, and with my friends
and family. Best wishes to you this
New Year. May
2015 bring you
lots of joy, new
experiences, and
great stories to
share!
Stephanie Mikamo,
English Teacher
Student Club: A New Year with Old Faces
A
s the first event of this 2014-2015
Student Club, we decided to go
out on a nice evening at Del Amo
mall, watch a movie, and catch up with
some old friends. Seeing as the
holidays were underway, many could
not make an appearance, but
nonetheless it was a great way to get
this club rolling this year. The movie
picked out was none other than
Disney’s Big Hero 6, based on the
Marvel comics of the same name. The
setting was in the high-tech city of San
Fransokyo. As the setting suggests, the
movie incorporated several elements of
Asian culture, (predominantly
Adam Jordan, Andrew Rodov, Cindy
Chan, Jay Matsumoto
Japanese), with that of American
culture. You could see Sakura
Blossom Trees on the trees, along
with the tall Golden Gate Bridge. I
suppose that us teenagers would
call it the “Happa City”. While I will
not spoil the story for those of you
who may not have seen it, I will
just say that it was very touching.
And not only in the content of the
plot, but it reminded us how
interconnect cultures are and can
be. It was great to see each
other’s faces, hear each other’s
stories, and discuss future
possibilities for the club as we
enter 2015. I would like to wish
everyone a Happy and Safe New
Year.
- Andrew Rodov
Page 3
Torrance Sister City Association
TSCA 2015 Partnership Award
I
n 1978, Helen Nakano was
contacted by Mr. John Eardley of
Torrance Sister City Association to
ask if her Naginata group would be
willing to do a demonstration at BunkaSai.
Every year, since 1978, Naginata has
supported the Torrance Sister City
Association at Bunka-Sai with a
Naginata demonstration and
sometimes a booth. TSCA feels
honored to have their martial arts
demonstrated at Bunka-Sai.
Naginata officially started in Southern
California when, in 1974, the Southern
California Naginata Federation was
formed, along with the United States
Naginata Federation. At that time,
outside of Japan, Naginata was a littleknown martial art.
In 1966, Helen traveled to Japan with
her husband, George, a member of the
United States Kendo Federation.
George was competing in the World
Kendo Championship. During a
kendo practice at Osaka Castle,
Helen was introduced to the art of
Naginata by three high ranking
Naginata sensei (teachers). She fell
in love with the beautiful art, and
continued practicing here in
California when she returned.
Because there was no Naginata
sensei in the US, she initially learned
Naginata from a well-known Kendo
sensei. From time to time, Japanese
sensei would come from Japan to
teach, and Helen would also travel to
Japan to learn.
California: Torrance, Gardena,
Pasadena and Irvine. The largest
Dojo is the Torrance Naginata
Helen has been teaching Naginata at
El Camino College since 1998. It’s
the only college-accredited Naginata
class in the United States.
Dojo which meets at the Torrance
Cultural Arts Center Dance Studio
#1 every Thursday evening from
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The students
range in age from 10 and up, and
include men, women and children.
The Naginata group has four Dojos
(practice halls) in Southern
Helen Nakano receiving the
Partnership Award
Student Selection Committee Update
W
ith the start of the New Year,
the 2015 Student Selection
Committee is in full swing. I
am pleased to be chairing the selection
committee again. Joining me on this
important team are: Sherri Crowson,
2015 Adult Leader, Dan Fichtner,
TSCA President, David Gelbaum, 2014
Adult Leader, Shanli Tsui, mother of
Leanne, a 2014 exchange student,
2014 students Megan Oliveros and
Kyle Nishimura, and finally Marilyn
Rubin, whose son Sandler was an
exchange student in the 90’s.
Committee members made visits in the
fall to Torrance, West, South and North
high schools and Bishop Montgomery
and made presentations to student
clubs and Japanese language classes
to recruit potential candidates. Past
exchange students helped support this
effort. The presentations were short
and informal with personal reflections
from 2013 and 2014 delegates.
Prospective applicants also had the
opportunity to watch a brief video
produced by David Gelbaum
highlighting activities from last
summer’s exchange.
Page 4
2015 Torrance student exchange applicants
Everyone attending the alumni
reunion on January 10 had the
chance to meet the 2015 applicants.
For the first time in years, all five
Torrance high schools are
represented. The committee will
have the opportunity to spend nearly
every weekend with the sixteen
applicants and their families
throughout the two month long
selection process. Interviews were
held at the Torrance Art Museum on
January 24 and 31. Our next
selection event is the annual
rummage sale at Kuwahara CPA on
Saturday, February 7 from 8:00 to
11:30 am. If you have any items
that you would like to donate for
the rummage sale, please contact
Steven Ihde at (310) 920-8564 or
at [email protected].
The committee will meet in early
March to make the selection of the
eight students that will represent
our city this summer in Kashiwa.
Thank you in advance to the
committee members for their time
and support.
- Steven Ihde
February 2015
Torrance Adult Leader Report: Japanese Brass Bands
E
ver since I saw the Ichikashi
Brass Band in 1993, I have
always had an interest in how
this group created such an amazing
performance. Not only did they play
their instruments, they had dance
routines and props to enhance what
they were doing. Most of the music was
memorized. Students performed solos
and small ensemble pieces. My interest
was stirred in how the Japanese brass
band rehearses and how I could utilize
it in my own classroom.
In Kashiwa, our group had the chance
to hear and see the brass band at
Ichikashi High School. The group
surrounded us in different formations
and there was even a chorus above us
on the second floor singing like angels.
I was overwhelmed by joy and
excitement. My favorite part was when
the band incorporated the Taiko drums.
The sound boomed around the gym
and vibrated through my body.
I got to meet the band director Mr.
Ichida. However, when my host family
tried to get permission for me to see a
rehearsal, the band was too busy.
Instead, I was able to see a full concert
in Bando City, with my host mom and
two other Torrance committee
members. We were taken back stage
for lunch where we had our own
special room. Every five minutes, Mr.
Ichida would come in to check on us
and to give me gifts. He was extremely
David Gelbaum (front right) with 2014 Torrance delegation and Ichikashi Brass Band
relaxed. No wonder. He was only on
stage for literally 5 minutes the entire
show, because everything was done
by the students. The group
performed for two straight hours with
no intermission. We had the best
seats in the theater, right in the
middle.
run the sectional, and students
even take care of discipline if
needed. Lastly, the students have
a social responsibility to do their
best all the time. In addition, the
director teaches another subject,
requiring time spent on lesson
plans, grading papers, etc.
From my observations and band
conference experiences, I have
learned the reasons for Japanese
bands’ success. The band is not a
class, but a club that meets after
school and on Saturdays, rehearsing
2 hours during the week and 3 to 4
hours on Saturday. The majority of
the rehearsals are run by the
students of each section. One
student does the warm-ups, others
The brass band experience I had
this summer was beyond any
expectations I had. I would like to
thank TSCA for the opportunity to
return to my second home. I will
never forget the three weeks in
Kashiwa and the three weeks here
in Torrance with the Kashiwa
students. Thank you and Kanshya
Shimasu.
- David Gelbaum, Adult Leader
Steve Warner Joins TSCA Board
S
teve has been involved with
TSCA since 1983 when he met
his wife Stephanie EwingWarner, a 1982 exchange student. He
is a past board member, at one time
serving with both his wife and late
mother-in-law Ila Ewing. In 1992 Steve
was selected as the “Adult” Leader. He
and his wife have hosted numerous
exchange students, as well as an adult
leader and several adult delegation
members in their home. They were
both members of our 25th Anniversary
Delegation.
Steve has lived in Torrance almost
continuously since first moving here in
1960. During that time he has
competed in many sports. He has been
involved with the Torrance South-Bay
YMCA for over 50 years starting as a
kindergartner. He is currently involved
with the Torrance Y’s Men’s club and is
a past President of that group. He has
been our liaison with the Y’s Men’s club
regarding Student Exchange activities
hosted at the YMCA over the last few
years. Although his son is no longer
involved with AYSO soccer, he still
volunteers his time as a referee, often
to the detriment of his honey-do list.
Steve is also currently serving a longterm sentence on the Board of his local
Homeowners Association.
Steve Warner
Page 5
Torrance Sister City Association
Kashiwa Alumni News—Yuki Tsuji
S
ince my first trip to Torrance as
one of the exchange students
from Kashiwa in 2007, I have
continued to visit my friends and host
families over the past 7 years. My
friendship with my friends and host
families from Torrance got stronger
each time I visited them in Torrance
and when they visited me in Kashiwa.
Gradually, I started thinking about
staying longer in America, and now I
am back enrolled as a student at El
Camino College in Torrance.
I considered what I wanted to do in the
near future and saved up for it since I
graduated from the University in Tokyo.
I researched a lot of information about
what I could do in America, and I also
participated in workshops over the past
few years. The last time I came to
California in 2013, I visited a school to
see how it looked and considered life in
America. In the end, I found myself
wanting to study business at an
American school and obtaining a
degree. After graduating from
school, I hope to gain to work
experience in America and utilize my
studies in the workplace. I had finally
decided what I wanted to do and felt
that I was ready to make it happen in
early 2014. In 3.5 years of work
experience in the fields of sales and
marketing, especially in my last 2.5
years in an international work
environment at an American medical
device company in Tokyo, I wanted
to learn more about the business
culture in America and global
business skills. Those experiences
led me to decide my current path.
Living outside of Japan long-term
and going to school are quite
challenging for a girl who never left
her parents’ house and never took a
class taught entirely in English. I
Save the Date!
March 21, 2015
TSCA is running the refreshment booth at the
Torrance Spring Craft Faire on Saturday,
March 21. All proceeds will benefit the student
exchange program.
Volunteers are needed to pick up donuts, make
spam musubi, deliver lunches to the vendors, and
sell snacks. Any amount of time is greatly
appreciated!
To help, please email to Shirley Tanaka,
[email protected] Thank you!
Torrance Craftsmen Guild’s Spring Arts
and Crafts Faire
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
Saturday, March 21, 2015
9 am to 4 pm
Page 6
already have wonderful friends in
Torrance and I feel at home. I also
have many friends who are away
from home and following their
dreams in different countries such
as Kevin Willoughby (TSCA
exchange student in 2007, is
currently studying Japanese music
in Tokyo) and Nozomi Tsuchio
(Kashiwa exchange student in
2007 is currently working in
Mongolia). Each one of them
encouraged me to achieve my
goals! I’m
so lucky
that I’ve
met such
wonderful
people here
and there in
my life.
February 2015
Bunka-Sai 2015
B
unka-Sai—it’s been 43 years
since its inception and still going
strong! I hope that this year’s
April 25-26 Bunka-Sai is on your
calendar, as another exciting weekend
is in the works. If you have ever
participated or volunteered in this
enjoyable event, thank you for your
help. If not, then you can start this
year! Did you know that we have been
mentioned in the AAA magazine,
Westways, resulting in visitors from as
far away as Russia?
Here are some ways you can help
out:
1) We are looking for donations of
new or like-new items, especially
Japanese items, kitchenware,
toys, etc., for our gift booth which
is run by TSCA members. You
may contact Jill Maroney at 310951-7502 or
[email protected], or Reiko
Higa at 310-619-4361 or
[email protected].
Another possibility is to drop off
your donation at one of our
Association meetings on February
9, March 9 or April 13 at the West
Annex of City Hall from 7:00 to 9:00
p.m. Thank you for your support.
2) We print and distribute almost 1,800
programs for each Bunka-Sai. These
programs include ads from large
corporations, small businesses,
families sending photos celebrating
special occasions, etc., at costs
ranging from $200 for full-page ads
to $25 for business card sizes. For
this great advertising opportunity,
please contact Shirley Tanaka at
310-293-8600 or email to
[email protected].
3) Opportunity Drawing prizes needed: If
you are a business, we appreciate gift
items or gift certificates for services. If
you are an individual, we appreciate
merchant gift cards in any
denomination. Please contact Erin
Wauke at [email protected]. All
donors will be recognized in the official
Bunka-Sai program booklet.
4) Finally, we need volunteers to prepare
for and staff the event on Fri., April 24
(12 pm to 6 pm); Sat., April 25 (8 am
to 6 pm); and Sun. April 26 (8 am to 6
pm). Each year groups from
businesses, schools, clubs, other
organizations as well as
individuals return year after year
to help out. It’s a great
opportunity to see old friends,
meet new ones, and get involved
in a great sister city program.
Many volunteers take pride in
making that perfect dango, batch
of yakisoba, piece of grilled fish/
beef or chicken, tasty bowl of
curry or delicious dessert, skills
they have fine-tuned over the
years and are happy to teach to
new volunteers. To join this
outstanding group, please
contact student volunteer
coordinator Patsy Shintani at
[email protected]; or
contact adult volunteer
coordinator Dana Cortez at
[email protected].
The Bunka-Sai is the major
fundraising event for our successful
Student Exchange Program, which
is the envy of many other sister city
organizations. TSCA truly
appreciates your support. See you
April 25 and 26!
- Werner Willoughby
Third Annual Cherry Blossom Festival
O
n Sunday, March 15th the City
of Torrance will be presenting
its third annual Cherry
Blossom Festival at Columbia Park
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The newlyselected student exchange
delegation will be promoting TSCA
and our major fundraiser Bunka-Sai
by distributing event fliers, selling raffle
tickets and displaying photos of many
past visits to Kashiwa.
Come out and enjoy the food available
for purchase, entertainment featuring
Japanese music, dance, martial arts
and other cultural activities. Stop by the
TSCA booth and meet the new student
delegates and their Adult Leader
Sherrie Crowson. Don't miss this
opportunity to bring your family and
friends to enjoy these beautiful
cherry trees with a picnic. Hope to
see you there
- Werner Willoughby
Kashiwa News
Torrance committee members. The party was held at the
“Suzume-an” where the Torrance delegates went there for
Soba-uchi (making soba)
The board members of the Torrance
committee (l to r): Mitsuko Tsukuda
(Treasurer), Makiyo Doi (Vice Chair),
Akiko Maruta (Chair),
Masahiko “Mike” Arai (Liaison)
Kashiwa Adult
Leader 2015
Hisataka Takikawa
Page 7
Torrance Sister City Association
Torrance Sister City Association
Bunka-Sai 2015 (Japanese Cultural Festival)
Supporting the Student Cultural Exchange program
When: Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2015
Where: Ken Miller Recreation Center, the Toyota Meeting Hall, and the Torino Plaza
Objectives: To help the community learn about the Japanese culture
to raise funds for the Student Cultural Exchange Program
The Student Cultural Exchange Program is.....
a cultural exchange program that takes place each year in July and August. Since 1974, Torrance sends a maximum of eight students and an adult leader to Kashiwa, Japan for three weeks in July. Kashiwa sends a similar
group to Torrance in August. This program is often referred to as “the gem” of the Sister City Program.
Please help us by placing an ad in our festival program booklet
Your ad will promote your company and support the Student Cultural Exchange Program.
Personal ads are also welcome.
Cost (no change in years):
Full-page ad..........................................................$200
Half-page ad.........................................................$100
One-fourth page ad................................................$50
Business card size ad............................................$25
Specifics: Must be no larger than 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Must be camera ready.
Deadline: March 12, 2015 in order to meet the printing deadline
Checks payable to: Torrance Sister City Association or TSCA
Questions? Please call Shirley Tanaka 310-293-8600, or e-mail to [email protected].
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Complete and return the section below* * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Company Name___________________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________City_____________ State_____ Zip Code___________
Contact Name________________________ Phone #_______________ E-Mail_________________________
Ad information: Size_________________ Cost_________ Use last year’s ad?_________________________
New?_______________ Camera ready copy enclosed?______________________________
Specific instructions______________________ __________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________________________
Mail this portion, your ad, and check to: Torrance Sister City Association
3031 Torrance Blvd. Attn: Community Services Dept.
Torrance, CA 90503
Thank you for your support!
February 2015
Teach English In Kashiwa, Japan
The Torrance Sister City Association seeks qualified applicants for one high school English teacher at
Kashiwa Municipal High School in Kashiwa, Japan, the Sister City of Torrance. The minimum one-year
contract runs from August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016 and is renewable for a maximum three-year
assignment. This is a full-time position as a regular instructor at this site.
Duties: Create and deliver engaging lessons in English conversation and composition, present mini
seminars to junior high students, make presentations to visiting dignitaries, assist with coordinating
campus visits by parents, administrators and junior high students, provide support to Japanese teachers of
English and extra-curricular activities as specified by the Principal including: judging and assisting with
speech contests, serving as advisor to the English Conversation Club, teaching weekend conversation
classes for adults, business trips and coaching students for college interviews. Volunteer work with KIRA
(Kashiwa International Relations Association) and other city groups may also be required.
Qualifications:
1. Live or work in Torrance
2. Be fluent in written and spoken English
3. Hold a Bachelor’s degree plus a teaching credential or have demonstrated teaching experience
(verified in recommendation letters)
4. Possess a keen interest in Japanese language and culture
Represent the Torrance Sister City Association and foster the goals and objectives of the
English Teacher Exchange Program
Compensation:
1. Annual salary of approximately 4,800,000 Japanese yen
2. One-way airfare from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Japan
3. National health insurance (deducted from monthly salary)
4. Subsidized housing and transportation allowance
Paid Japanese holidays and personal days
Send detailed resume, cover letter, and two signed letters of recommendation by
U.S. mail only postmarked by April 9, 2015 and received by April 13, 2015 to:
Lori Chong Eurich, Chair
TSCA English Teacher Selection Committee
Attn: Community Services Dept.
3031 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
Please discuss your connection to Torrance in cover letter. Qualified applicants will be scheduled for
panel interviews in May. For information call: Lori Eurich at (310) 373-6146 or Dan Fichtner
at (310) 316-6092.
www.TorranceSisterCity.org
Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: Linda Kranz
Newsletter Distribution: Donna Dunlap
We welcome your comments and submissions to the TSCA newsletter.
Please send them to: [email protected]
2015 Membership Application
E xc ep t f or th e L i f e M emb er sh i p , al l d u e s a r e i n e ff ec t f r om J a n u ar y 1 st t o D ec e mb er 3 1 s t.
If yo u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o ns a b o ut yo u r m em b e r s h i p, p l e as e em a i l Ro n K i mm e l
a t [email protected]